Prime Minister should match Badgerys Creek rail commitment

Release Date: 23/09/2015

The Sydney Business Chamber has called on Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull to match Opposition Leader Bill Shorten’s commitment to begin construction on a rail link to the Western Sydney Airport at Badgerys Creek within the next five years.

The Western Sydney Director of the Sydney Business Chamber, David Borger said: “Bill Shorten’s suggestion on ABC’s Q&A this week that construction on a rail link to the new Western Sydney Airport should begin within five years is absolutely spot on”.

“Ensuring that the Western Sydney Airport has the supporting infrastructure necessary to attract local and international airlines needs to be a priority for the Federal Government.

“Earlier this year, the Sydney Business Chamber hosted two international aviation and planning experts and numerous key stakeholders who understand the widespread economic, social and community benefits the airport will have for the region at the Preparing for Take-off: Western Sydney Airport Conference.

“The consensus was clear; improving the speed and reliability of transport networks is absolutely crucial if we are to drive economic growth in Western Sydney and create long term employment opportunities.

“In his report into the economic impact of the Western Sydney Airport, academic and author, Dr John Kasarda said passengers need to access the Western Sydney Airport in no more than 45 minutes.

“With the current traffic congestion in Sydney, it can take 45 minutes to travel just 5km from the CBD in peak traffic, meaning access by road alone will simply not be feasible if we are to attract enough passengers to Badgerys Creek.

“The new Prime Minister’s passion for public transport and his love of Sydney is well known, and we would strongly urge him to reconsider the decision not to plan for rail access at the time of the Western Sydney Airport’s opening.

“The Western Sydney airport is an incredible opportunity for the people of Western Sydney; it has the potential to become a hub for all forms of business including retail, residential, logistics, tourism and health and medical facilities. None of this will be possible without a proper rail connection,” Mr Borger said.